$175m Albany Ring Road project in WA progresses to next phase

The second phase of Western Australia’s $175 million Albany Ring Road – between Lancaster Road and Princess Royal Drive – marks a new milestone with the release of designs following an extensive community feedback process. 

The design for Phase 2 highlights a new interchange at South Coast Highway and will include reinstating full access between George Steet and South Coast Highway. This project will also remove an access ramp on the southern side of the interchange, avoiding environmentally sensitive habitat. 

This phase will also deliver a single bridge structure that connects Hanrahan Road to Frenchman Bay Road, passing over the Albany Ring Road as well as the freight rail line. In addition, new roundabouts are going to be built to the north and south of the interchange, which will provide access to and from Albany Ring Road and Denmark Road. 

Changes made to the initial project design will help reduce environmental impact and heritage footprint while, at the same time, maintaining a free-flowing corridor and maximising local connectivity. 

The design will also remove any impacts to the heritage-listed World War Two fuel oil storage tanks located north of the alignment. 

“This is the Federal Government’s record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan in action, helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said. 

Once completed, the Albany Ring Road will help improve travel times and traffic flow along this corridor; reduce risks by removing conflict points on routes to the port; and improve access for heavy vehicles to and from the port as well as industrial areas. 

The Ring Road will also remove heavy vehicles from residential areas and the town centre, which will improve safety and amenity for both residents and visitors. 

“It’s great to see construction activity progressing, generating new jobs and contracting opportunities for local businesses. 

“The updated concept designs for the latter stages of the project were developed in response to feedback from local residents and environmental groups, and we look forward to construction in these locations commencing shortly,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Project alignment (source: Main Roads WA)

The $175 million Albany Ring Road is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $140 million and $35 million respectively. 

“This project will improve connections between major freight infrastructure including airports and commercial and industrial areas, creating more economic opportunities for this critical region. 

“The Albany Ring Road is a major project of regional and national significance, providing safe and reliable access to the Port of Albany. 

“The project will also unlock new economic opportunities to the north and west of the city, by opening up the area through a high-quality road connection,” Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said. 

State Member for the Legislative Assembly for Albany Rebecca Stephens said that she is pleased the designs for Phase 2 have been updated to accommodate community feedback. 

“Maintaining full access between George Street and South Coast Highway is a big win. 

“The new designs will also remove impacts on the heritage-listed World War Two fuel oil storage tanks and I look forward to working with the project team and the City over the next year to look at how we can activate this space for the local community,” Ms Stephens said. 

Main Roads WA will be pushing ahead with discussions with the City of Albany and other local stakeholders for the activation of a community space surrounding the tanks. 

Major construction on the entire project is progressing well with the installation of Mechanically-Stabilised Earth bridge walls on both sides of Albany Highway, which paves the way for bridge beams to be installed in October. 

Subject to environmental and regulatory approvals, works between South Coast Highway and Princess Royal Drive are scheduled to commence by the end of this year. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Main Roads Western Australia